RI to get $714,000 for air pollution projects

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) -- Rhode Island is getting $714,000 for projects to lessen air pollution as part of a revised multi-state settlement with American Electric Power Co. over sulfur emissions.

Attorney General Peter Kilmartin on Monday announced Rhode Island's share of the $8.5 million settlement between American Electric Power and eight states, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and a variety of citizens groups.

Kilmartin's office says the company has agreed to further reduce sulfur dioxide emissions from its coal-fired power plants in addition to providing millions in new funds for pollution mitigation projects.

Previous projects carried out in Rhode Island with settlement funds include installing wind turbines at Fisherman's Memorial State Campground and East Matunuck State Beach, retrofitting state vehicles with pollution control devices and building solar panels at RIPTA facilities.